Conferences

Greg, together with Bill Patterson from Patterson Hopkins, presented a Special Edition Webinar on Trusts, with Greg discussing incapacity in the trust context, the various powers available to remove incapacitated trustees, and the review of trustees’ decisions by the High Court.

Colette and Kimberly presented a paper at the NZ Law Legal Executives’ Conference on estate administration, and in particular the importance of considering the need to make an election under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976.

Colette’s presentation considered trusts and how they have been dealt with following the end of a relationship, exploring what should be included in contracting out agreements to best protect trust assets from claims in the event a relationship comes to an end.

Kimberly and Colette delivered a webinar focusing on common drafting issues, particularly in the contexts of blended families, asset protection, relationship property, trusts settled during an existing relationship which contemplate what will take place on separation, and trusts which are expected to hold commercial or farming assets (where there may be greater risks for professional trustees).

Kimberly and Colette presented a paper on the will drafting and advice process with elderly clients in light of the requirements in the Trusts Act 2019, and how to mitigate risk. Colette also participated in a lively panel discussion on estate planning for elderly clients, including the use of trusts and residential care subsidies.

Greg, Colette, Kimberly and Kevin presented this interactive forum discussing what the case law tells us about the proper process, gathering information, different kinds of decisions, decision making when not everyone knows about the trust; how to advise without making decisions for trustees; legal advice & privilege; what to do when decision-making goes wrong (ratification); and going to court for a blessing in relation to significant decisions.

Greg, Kimberly and Sharee presented a webinar on how to vary a trust deed when there is no power to vary, using ss 122–125 of the Trusts Act 2019.